U.S. condemns barrage of rocket fire from Gaza

A woman photographs Israeli soldiers on top an armored personal carrier close to the Israel Gaza Border, southern Israel,Thursday. Israel's prime minister says the army is prepared for a "significant widening" of its operation in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says the U.S. strongly condemns the barrage of rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and regrets the loss of life.

Spokesman Jay Carney says there is “no justification” for the violence perpetrated by Hamas and other terrorist organizations. And he called on those responsible to immediately stop the “cowardly acts.”

Carney says that while Hamas claims to have the best interests of the Palestinian people at heart, the violence it continues to engage in is counterproductive to the Palestinian cause.

Palestinian militants launched nearly 150 rockets at Israel on Thursday, killing three people. Israel launched its own offensive Wednesday, killing the head of Hamas’ militant wing and destroying dozens of rocket launchers.